RIP…revered icon of north Chicago…consistent anchor on team that
had rough years in early 60’s….Synonymous with Cubs franchise and third base…. was named
to all star team 9 of 11 campaigns…One year he was excluded from all star team he
finished 4th in MVP voting….hustling aggressive player....had a 5 year string of Gold Gloves….offensive
skills were ability to get on base, great batting eye, and consistent power…Unfortunately
for all his awards and accolades, no post season play…Left Cubs after 1973….Cross-town trade to White Sox was a
disaster and his career was over after one season…Career stats 342 home runs,
1343 RBIs’, .277 BA…Career best home run season was 1965 with 33…best RBI’s was
123 in 1969…top average was .313 in 1964….instated into hall of fame 2012 two
years after his death....one of few players who got along well with Leo Durocher.
And played while fighting his diabetes.
ReplyDeleteAlong with Bobby Clarke of the Philadelphia Flyers, Santo is probably the best athlete along of any sport who had diabetes.
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